Mofilm hits Hollywood
A FILM distribution business based in Cheshire has benefited from a British Airways scheme to help small businesses.
The airline has donated 4,000 international return flights to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The offer is open to firms working with the government’s foreign trade body UKTI and its Gateway to Global Growth programme.
Altrincham-based Mofilm, which distributes films through mobile phones in 62 countries, has used flights to establish relationships in California with film studios and new media players such as Google and Facebook.
Mofilm offers a platform for emerging talent but has also worked with Hollywood names including Kevin Spacey, Robert Redford, Isabella Rossellini and Spike Lee.
Chief executive Andy Baker said: “Around 90% of our revenue is from export, so most of our clients are overseas. We are doing business in China, San Francisco, Los Angeles and sometimes Luxembourg and Switzerland. The UKTI and BA offer is allowing us to get to California to see our partners and clients.
“The trip will help us gain access to their organisations and in return they will gain access to the brands working with us. In business it is still important to touch the flesh – 99% of business is still based on personal relationships, not emails or telephone calls. This is about meeting people and making deals happen.
The UKTI’s Gateway to Global Growth is designed to help SMEs employing less than 250 people and with between two and 10 years export experience. It provides a variety of services including an in-depth business review, access to training, specialist advice, match funding of up to £1,000 to help break into a chosen market and the chance to receive one of the BA flights.
